Bruguera is one of the most celebrated Latin-American artists and is known for her politically engaged work. Her detainment provoked a strong reaction amongst the artistic community and the circulating petition demanding her release amassed 2000 signatures, signed by important curators and critics. It is reported that around 50 to 60 people were arrested along with Bruguera, all of whom are now believed to have been released. Bruguera will not be allowed to leave the country in the coming months as the authorities have confiscated her passport in light of the charges.
The artist has since quit the government-approved Union of Cuban Writers and Artists, as well as returning a government award won in 2002, claiming that the government has “changed the meaning of the work, giving a lesson in intolerance”. After having been accused of hosting a “performance aimed at inciting public disorder and resistance to the police”, Bruguera claims she was trying to “generate a moment of reflection” with her work.
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Cuban artist calls into question freedom of speech
Cuban artist Tania Bruguera was released on January 3, 2015, following her most recent arrest for attempting to re-stage her 2009 performance Tatlin's Whisper #6, a performance involving members of the public speaking freely in Havana’s Revolution Square.
